Allergies are sensitive reactions that occur when the body's immune system reacts in
any unusual way to foods, airborne dust, animal hair and pollens. This results in
conditions such as hay fever, eczema, hives and bowel problems. The condition is also
called atopy.

Allergies are common in babies and children. They usually disappear as the child grows
older, but sometimes can continue into adult life.

Unlike most of the common illnesses (such as measles and chickenpox) an allergy can
have many symptoms, and these vary widely from child to child. Allergies are not
infectious.

How to tell if a baby has an allergy

An allergic reaction might take hours or even days to develop and can affect almost any
part of the body. Symptoms may be any of the following:

Digestive system (includes stomach and intestines): nausea, vomiting and spitting up of
food, colicky behaviour in the young baby (including pulling away from the breast),
stomach pain, diarrhoea, poor appetite, slow weight gain.

Some reactions are caused by food additives such as colourings, flavourings and
preservatives. Additives are found in many prepared foods (eg. lollies, sauces, ice-cream,
cordial, soft drinks, biscuits, savoury snacks and processed meats).

The allergic reaction to dairy products has almost the same symptoms (stomach pain and
diarrhoea) as those that occur when a baby has lactose intolerance, which is when he or
she cannot digest the sugar (lactose) in dairy products. The correct diagnosis is a matter
for your doctor.

Is allergy inherited?

Allergy cannot be passed from generation to generation, but children from families that
have a tendency to allergy have a greater chance of becoming allergic. However, anyone can
become allergic.

What is the management?

Feeding

Breastfeeding of allergy-prone babies for the first 6 months might diminish eczema and
other allergic disorders during infancy. Breastfeeding is a good way of making sure your
baby has a healthy start in life.

If breastfeeding is not possible, choose a breast milk substitute (formula) carefully.
Get advice from your doctor or infant welfare nurse.

What happens when solids are introduced?

If possible, do not start solids until the baby is 5 or 6 months old. Start one food at
a time, in small amounts. The quantity can be increased the next day if no reaction
occurs.

New foods should be introduced at least several days apart. Particular care should be
taken when starting foods that most commonly cause allergic reactions (dairy products,
eggs, citrus fruits and peanut butter). They should be avoided during the first 6 months.

Be alert!

If possible, prepare the baby's food using fresh ingredients. For example, a child with
cows milk allergy should avoid cows milk in any form. Foods such as butter, ice-cream and
cheese are also made from milk, and many forms of milk can be found in bread, cakes,
biscuits, soups and most margarines. Read labels carefully to check ingredients in
products.

Other allergies

Many babies and children develop allergies to house dust and animal hair. Vacuuming
regularly and keeping pets outside will reduce the problem.

Bedding should be aired regularly. Damp and poorly ventilated homes are subject to
mould, which can cause allergy. Both the mould and its cause should be eliminated.

Other things that can be done

Cotton clothing is best for babies and children with skin problems.

Avoid strong soaps, detergents and nappy wash solutions.

Boil the baby's bottles rather than use chemical solutions.

Use household chemicals such as strong fly sprays, perfumes and disinfectants sparingly,
and air the house thoroughly afterwards.